A sluggish housing market, higher fuel prices and growing federal debt could lead to another freight recession in 2014, according to FTR Associates, a research firm that studies the trucking industry. But what is helping the industry now is a strengthening manufacturing climate and a solid export market. As 2014 nears, however, regulatory changes, such as hours-of-service revisions and potentially higher interest rates, thanks to that Continue Reading

With hurricane season officially starting June 1, the Federal Highway Administration is making available a new tool that will help fleets and carriers plan ahead for altered traffic patterns potentially caused by road closures. Essentially, this Freight Analysis Framework tool recommends alternate routes without considering closed or damaged roads. Most recently, during the recent flooding that affected Interstate 40 in Arkansas, FHWA says it used FAF to project potential freight movement changes that affected six Southeast states and analyzed where longhaul Continue Reading

Higher turnover among drivers may not sound positive, but the American Trucking Associations (ATA) chief economist sees it that way. Rising to an annual rate of 69 percent among large fleets, the turnover is the highest since the second quarter of 2008. Increased hiring and rising turnover, according to the ATA’s Bob Costello, shows that fleets are responding to signs of economic recovery. Though some changes can be attributed to Continue Reading

According to its latest shipping report, FTR Associates analysts are predicting shipping costs to rise rapidly due to increases in trasport costs. The March issue of FTR Associates’ Shippers Update showed that the Shippers Condition Index (SCI) remained in below-zero territory with a value of -5.2, and it is expected to fall further when freight typically surges in the spring to tighten capacity. A reading above zero suggests a favorable Continue Reading

At a recent listening session to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed hours-of-service changes, many industry executives expressed the sentiments held by many: No change necessary. In a rebuttal to the notion that shorter hours would alleviate fatigue among drivers, representatives suggested something more proactive, like focusing its energy to address the fundmentals of Continue Reading

Despite the latest adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for December indicating its highest level since September 2008, freight improvement continues to be choppy, according to feedback the American Trucking Associations are receiving from fleets. That trend is expected to continue through the first half of the year, but accelerate through the second half and into 2012. ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership. The report Continue Reading

Though the recession was technically declared over in June 2009, most companies or fleets wouldn’t know it. While recovery hasn’t been as brisk, economic analysts are predicting stronger, steady growth in 2011, but it will bring with it a new set of challenges. Those challenges, like the effects of CSA 2010, a potential driver shortage, continued excess capacity and proposed changes to hours-of-service rules, will take tolls on the industry. The FMCSA’s crackdown on unsafe drivers using the CSA 2010 measurement tool could take some off the roads, meaning more equipment left Continue Reading

Ground transportation shipping rates for Canadian shippers fell slightly in October, according to the Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI). But the Base Rate Index excludes fuel surcharges, which officials say is on the rise and expect it to continue through the winter months. Compared to September, fuel surcharges increased by 6 percent to 13.77 percent of base rates, marking the first time in five months there has been an increase. CGFI officials say Continue Reading

Carriers who’ve weathered the downturn are becoming readjusted to the “new” economy, taking advantage of a greater volume of freight distributed among fewer companies. Many businesses were forced to close during the recession. But despite that silver lining, other aspects of the economy that could impact trucking are slow to catch up. Housing sales and starts continue to remain low, though consumer spending is gaining slightly and showing moderate growth that’s expected to hold steady. No doubt boosted by the holidays, retail sales rose 5.5 percent, mostly on lower-ticket items such as Continue Reading

A pilot program that has allowed heavier trucks to operate on interstates in Maine and Vermont is up for extension, pending final approval of the House of Representatives. A Senate vote this week already approved the provision, which gives trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to operate on federal roads, that is set to expire on Friday. President Obama supports the measure, as do a number of trucking industry executives. Growth projections in the Continue Reading